Why You Should Water Your Christmas Tree

Share

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 200 home fires each year start with a Christmas tree. In the videos below, NIST fire researchers demonstrate what could happen if a fire starts in a watered Christmas tree vs. a dry Christmas tree. For Christmas tree safety tips, visit the NFPA website.

BEHIND THE SCIENCES: THE MAKING OF A NIST HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Credit:
F. Webber/NIST

Bundy (left) and research structural engineer Matthew Hoehler (right) look closely to see signs of fire in the watered tree. As expected, the fire set in the well-watered tree didn’t catch.Every holiday season, hundreds of residential fires start with a Christmas tree.

Above, you saw the NIST video that illustrates the dramatic difference between a fire started in a well-watered tree versus in a thirsty, neglected tree. Here, you can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the video shoot.